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Pets that Make the Best Family Companions

Find which pet will fit your family the best!
Mikkie Mills
If you are considering getting or adopting a family pet, there are many options to choose from. Depending on if you have children, their ages, and a variety of other factors, it might seem overwhelming to decide which pet is best for your situation. Using these tips, you will be sure to find a pet that you and your family will love and cherish.

Dogs

When you think of a family pet, a dog is one of the first images that comes to mind. Dogs are known for generally having good personalities, being incredibly loyal and devoted to their owners, and are extremely intelligent and can be trained easily.
Walking the dog on a daily basis can be a great way to teach your children responsibility and how to make sure to pick up litter or dog waste. They are also protective and are able to be taught to identify strangers or home intruders. With their energy and willingness to play, dogs make wonderful pets for families.

Cats

Another popular choice for family pets is the cat. Cats are more independent than dogs, but their behaviors such as purring and rubbing against family members denote strong signs of affection. You may be wondering, are cats loyal?
Though they may distance themselves at times, cats have been shown to be relatively loyal to their owners. They are also great as emotional support animals and can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. They are also relatively low maintenance, as they relieve themselves in a litter box and do not usually require regular baths.

Rabbits

If you are leaning towards a more unconventional pet that does not require as much attention, a rabbit might be the best option for you. They are quiet and docile animals that usually require a staple diet of greens and pellets. Some of the other perks of owning rabbits is that they bond to their owners and require less space than many other types of pets.
Surprisingly, they are easily trainable, and can even be taught to use a litter box to minimize cleaning up their mess. Like cats, rabbits can serve as emotional support animals. For a small, affectionate pet, rabbits are a wonderful choice.

Fish

Although it is true that fish are less expensive and time-consuming than most other pets, they can still be a great animal companion for your family. They are wonderful stress relievers and designing a tank for them can bring out your creative side, as well as have a calming effect on the room or space that they are in.
They are low maintenance and only require daily food and tank cleaning on a regular basis, depending on the type of fish and the size of their home. Depending on what type of tank you have, there are many species of fish that interact well together, so you can combine many in your tank as long as the do not require different types of water.
Birds are one of the smartest and most easily trainable pets you can own. Like fish, birds come in dozens of different breeds and species. Some of the most popular varieties available in pet stores include parakeets and cockatiels. Birds generally have long life spans. Even the smaller breeds can live anywhere from ten to twenty years.
More large and exotic breeds, like large parrots and cockatoos, have been recorded to have lifespans of many decades, sometimes even outliving their owners. Birds are entertaining, as many breeds have the ability to sing or talk, and their diet is diverse and relatively inexpensive. They also do not require much grooming, as they preen themselves daily.
Whether you are looking for a furry, scaled, or feathered friend, each type of pet offers positive traits. Using this information, your family can discuss what the best option is for your needs, and find a pet that everyone can enjoy together.